ONE OK ROCK live at Wembley Arena: A landmark night for Japanese rock with a special appearance by Ed Sheeran

ONE OK ROCK made history on October 11th, headlining London’s Wembley Arena for the first time in front of 12,500 fans. The sold-out show—their largest ever in the UK—cemented the band’s growing presence on the international stage. It has put them in rare company as one of only three Japanese acts to headline the iconic venue, alongside BABYMETAL and X JAPAN.

It’s been quite the journey for the Tokyo-based four-piece. Their first UK show, back in 2013, was a modest gig at the O2 Academy Islington, playing to just 800 fans. Fast forward over a decade, and ONE OK ROCK are now commanding London’s third-largest indoor venue, with a fiercely dedicated following that’s been with them every step of the way.

The Wembley show is part of the band’s ‘Premonition World Tour’. It’s an ambitious outing that’s brought their full-scale stadium production—something previously reserved for Japanese fans—to European soil for the first time. With its dramatic lighting, towering stage design, and massive visuals, this tour marks a bold new chapter for ONE OK ROCK, as they push further into global territory.

The night began with a cinematic introduction that set the tone for what was to come. Snippets from past live shows, including London performances, flashed on the screen. Taka’s impassioned speech, delivered in Japanese, echoed throughout the arena. His message, appearing in English on the big screen, spoke of entering a new era, breaking down old systems, and living life to the fullest. As the speech ended, a heavy rock riff reverberated through the venue, and Taka emerged on stage wearing a gas mask, immediately launching into the politically charged ‘Delusion:All’. The fierce delivery of the driving anthem, critiquing societal disillusionment, pulled the crowd into the intensity from the first note. Hot on its heels came 2013’s ‘Deeper Deeper’, with its infectious riffs stoking the already buzzing audience. A rare setlist addition, it gave long-time fans a hit of nostalgia, making the moment feel all the more special.

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Despite playing to an international crowd, ONE OK ROCK didn’t stray from their roots, sticking with the Japanese versions of songs—even those that had fully English releases under U.S. label ‘Fueled by Ramen’. Tracks like ‘Taking Off’ from ‘Ambitions’ (2017), and ‘Save Yourself’ and ‘Vandalize’ from ‘Luxury Disease’ (2022) hit just as hard with the audience, many of whom belted out the Japanese lyrics without missing a beat. Taka’s soaring vocals rang out across the arena, backed by Toru’s intricate guitar work, Ryota’s thundering bass, and Tomoya’s precise drumming. ‘Taking Off’ in particular stood out, its blend of intensity and melody reminding everyone why it remains a fan favourite.

A mid-set acoustic segment delivered the night’s biggest surprise: the appearance of Ed Sheeran. Introduced by Taka as “one of my fucking best friends!”, Sheeran took the stage with his guitar for a stripped-back version of the 2010 track ‘Wherever You Are’. Whether you love him or hate him, the crowd’s initial shock quickly gave way to rapturous applause as he stepped into view. Taka and Ed’s chemistry was easy and undeniable, with Sheeran even joining in on some of the Japanese lyrics, adding a fresh dynamic to the now 14-year-old track. It was a rare moment of camaraderie that felt genuine and effortless—certainly more welcomed than his Game of Thrones cameo.

The emotional weight continued with ‘Take What You Want’, starting with just Taka and Toru on stage. As Taka gazed out at the crowd, visibly emotional, it was clear he was reflecting on the band’s long journey. Tears accompanied his delivery of the opening lines, creating a raw vulnerability that resonated throughout the arena. As the rest of the band gradually joined in, the song swelled to a powerful crescendo. The crowd’s response was overwhelming, with thousands singing along in perfect harmony, transforming the vast arena into something far more intimate.

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As the night wore on, the energy never dipped. Newer tracks like ‘Prove’ and ‘Neon’ highlighted the band’s evolving sound, with ‘Prove’ packing a heavier, more layered punch that amplified the room’s intensity. ‘Neon’, co-written with Panic! at the Disco’s Brendon Urie, leaned into its Queen and My Chemical Romance influences, offering a dramatic shift in tone. When Taka and Toru walked down the runway together, their chemistry crackled, creating an electric, almost sultry atmosphere. The line “From Tokyo to L.A.” felt particularly poignant, as the band prepare to take on the 17,000-capacity Kia Forum in Los Angeles later this month.

While the crowd embraced the new material, it was the classics—‘The Beginning’ and ‘Mighty Long Fall’—that truly set the arena ablaze. These early anthems, which helped ONE OK ROCK break through internationally, had the entire crowd jumping and shouting along to every chorus.

Before wrapping up the main set, ONE OK ROCK hit hard with an emotionally charged rendition of ‘We Are’. The song’s anthemic chorus had the crowd singing in unison, amplifying its message of empowerment and solidarity. That energy rolled seamlessly into the main set’s closing track, ‘Stand Out Fit In’. The song brought the set to a triumphant finish and left the audience fully immersed in the band’s uplifting spirit.

For the encore, ONE OK ROCK returned to the Wembley Arena stage to perform ‘We All Matter’, an unreleased track that debuted just a month earlier in front of 45,000 fans at Tokyo’s Ajinomoto Stadium. The performance, filmed for an upcoming music video, carried an air of anticipation as fans glimpsed the band’s next chapter. They closed the night with ‘Wasted Nights’, a spirited crowd-pleaser that had the audience back on their feet, singing along for one last euphoric moment. As the final chords rang out, the energy in the room lingered, a testament to the enduring connection between ONE OK ROCK and their international fanbase.

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Taka’s heartfelt speeches throughout the night underscored the personal significance of performing at Wembley Arena. He expressed deep gratitude for the band’s journey, from playing small venues to now standing on one of London’s most iconic stages. He reflected on the years of hard work, stressing the power of music to unite people across languages and borders. At one point, both Taka and Toru jokingly referred to Wembley Arena as Wembley Stadium, laughing along with the crowd. Given the energy in the room, it didn’t seem like such an outlandish idea.

ONE OK ROCK’s performance at Wembley Arena wasn’t just another stop on their ‘Premonition World Tour’—it was a defining moment in their global journey. Sure, to some, the band’s music and live shows may lean toward the preachy, like a souped-up Tony Robbins seminar backed by some of the best rock music of the past decade. But for the 12,500 fans in attendance, it was a celebration of the band’s rise from small UK venues to headlining one of London’s most iconic stages. As one of only three Japanese acts to do so, they’ve shown just how far they’ve come since their 2013 UK debut.

With their eleventh studio album on the horizon and major North American dates just weeks away, ONE OK ROCK continue to push the boundaries of what a Japanese rock band can achieve internationally. For their fans, the night was both a milestone and a promise of even bigger things to come.

Photos by Yamada Masahiro

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